[Elastic stable intramedullary nailing as alternative therapy for pediatric Monteggia fractures].

Forearm fractures are some of the most common injuries in childhood. Monteggia fractures and Monteggia equivalents are rare injuries of the proximal forearm, but they are important because of their special biomechanics. Many authors have reported good results with excellent function if the Monteggia injuries are diagnosed primarily and treated by an axial reposition of the ulna and by an exactly repositioned proximal radioulnar joint. In our investigation, some clinical cases of pediatric Monteggia fractures were operated upon using the technique of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). In correct indications, ESIN could be used as a minimally invasive therapeutic alternative to plate osteosynthesis for treating pediatric Monteggia injuries.